Ship operations halted due to water scarcity, causing steamers to be held back
In the heart of Germany, the historic city of Dresden is facing unprecedented challenges due to a prolonged drought that has significantly impacted the Elbe River, a key waterway for the region. The ongoing dry spell, which began in early 2025, has caused the river's water levels to plummet, presenting a double whammy for tourism and river transportation.
The Elbe's dwindling waters have made it impossible to support cargo shipping traffic in certain sections, leading to a suspension of shipping activities. This decreased navigability is causing strife for Germany's shipping sector, which heavily relies on these waterways for freight transport. The German Weather Service (DWD) warns that climate change is likely to make such low water levels and droughts a more frequent, long-term challenge.
Tourism along the Elbe in Dresden is also taking a hit, with the river's low water levels reducing its aesthetic and recreational appeal for visitors. Fewer boats and cruises can operate, diminishing tourist activities linked to river sightseeing and transport. Local residents express concerns about the ecological consequences, such as loss of aquatic habitats, which can further detract from the natural allure that supports tourism.
This drought is part of a pattern of exceptionally hot and dry summers in Germany since 2018, causing multiple sectors, including agriculture and tourism, to sustain financial damages. The increase in drought frequency and severity is attributed to global warming, which contributes to hotter, drier conditions across Europe.
In an effort to keep tourism afloat, the steamships KRIPPEN and LEIPZIG are serving the city tour route more frequently, operating hourly from 10-16 o'clock. However, the low water level has caused the Elbe to become narrower and shallower, affecting the operations of the Saxon Steamship Company. The company has had to cancel steamship trips to Bohemia and restrict Dresden tours.
The DVB ferries between Tolkewitz and Niederpoyritz, and the car ferry between Kleinzschachwitz and Pillnitz have stopped operations. The passenger ferry in Kleinzschachwitz is still running, as it can withstand low water levels the longest. The ferry between Johannstadt and Neustadt is still running, but it is expected to stop if the water level continues to drop.
Experts do not expect the water level to rise significantly, despite announced rain for this week. A new decision will be made after Thursday regarding the resumption of the suspended trips. In the meantime, ferrymen are performing smaller repairs or maintenance on ships and facilities during the pause in operations. Some ferrymen have switched to DVB bus lines to maintain service.
This drought reflects a broader trend of rising drought impacts in Germany linked to climate change. As the city of Dresden grapples with the challenges posed by the drought, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for concerted action to address climate change and protect our environment and economy.
[1] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-facing-drought-crisis-as-elbe-river-levels-plummet/a-59442073 [2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/09/germany-hit-by-drought-as-elbe-river-levels-plummet [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-elbe-river-hits-record-low-amid-drought-2021-08-09/ [4] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-declares-drought-emergency-as-elbe-river-reaches-record-low/a-59441355 [5] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-declares-drought-emergency-as-elbe-river-reaches-record-low/a-59441355
- The German shipping sector is experiencing troubles due to the plummeting water levels in the Elbe River, a key waterway for the region, as cargo shipping traffic is suspended in certain sections due to the river's dwindling waters.
- In addition to affecting transportation, the ongoing drought in Dresden is negatively impacting the tourism sector, with decreased aesthetic and recreational appeal for visitors contributing to fewer boats and cruises that can operate.
- The German Weather Service has warned that climate change may increase the frequency and severity of such droughts and low water levels, which could have long-term implications for the environment, economy, and public transit in the region.
- As part of efforts to keep tourism afloat, the steamships KRIPPEN and LEIPZIG are serving the city tour route more frequently, however, low water levels have caused the Elbe to become narrower and shallower, affecting the operations of the Saxon Steamship Company and forcing them to cancel trips to Bohemia and restrict Dresden tours.
